The Ontario government is investing $3.2 million in two projects to protect jobs and support the construction of Canada’s first purpose-built goalball court at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind’s (CNIB) Lake Joseph Centre in Muskoka, and upgrades to the Métis Nation of Ontario’s Children and Youth Camp in Burk’s Falls. These projects are part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative to revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.
“Our government is proud to support organizations that are breaking down barriers for those who are blind or have low vision, empowering people and strengthening communities across our province,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “These investments in the CNIB and the Métis Nation of Ontario will create more opportunities for youth, families and seniors to participate in sport and recreation, give athletes the chance to train and compete closer to home — all while protecting local jobs and building a more resilient economy.”
With Ontario’s support, CNIB is building a new multi-purpose facility at CNIB Lake Joe, which will include a goalball court, featuring specialized flooring and acoustic sound panels designed for athletes who are blind or have low vision, along with an accessible fitness centre and a teaching kitchen. The centre will serve local, regional and national goalball teams, providing a permanent home for training and competition. Once complete, the facility will offer a wide range of programs designed for recreational and competitive goalball players, as well as other adaptive sports and community activities to expand opportunities for people with sight loss to participate in sport.
“With a new purpose-built facility, CNIB Lake Joe is opening the door to accessible sport and recreation in ways that have long been missing for our community,” said Angela Bonfanti, President & CEO of CNIB. “We are grateful to the Government of Ontario and the Ministry of Sport for this important investment. By supporting CNIB Lake Joe, they are committing to a path forward for accessible sport and ensuring that children, youth, adults, and families who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision can take part in the joy of recreation, sport, and community in a truly inclusive environment. Accessible sport changes lives. It builds confidence, fosters independence, and creates a sense of belonging. This investment will help CNIB Lake Joe expand its seasons and programs and create a lasting legacy of inclusion for generations to come.”
In addition, the province is investing over $230,000 to support repairs and upgrades to the Métis Nation of Ontario’s Children and Youth Camp in Burk’s Falls. The project will expand amenities and improve accessibility, transforming the facility into a hub for children’s and youth community events, sports and cultural programming. The camp will promote Métis heritage while creating a welcoming space for young people to connect and thrive.
“Being on the land and water is at the heart of Métis culture. It’s where teachings are passed down and connections are made,” said Sharon Cadeau, Interim Chair of the Métis Nation of Ontario. “Through Ontario’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, we’re creating an accessible waterfront at our ELCC Culture and Language Camp in Burk’s Falls, so that more Métis children, families, and Elders can gather in safety, in dignity, and with a true sense of belonging.”
CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province.
